Dr: Some moms are more prone to stress

(WTNH) --A survey by the American Psychological Associations shows that women are more likely to point to family health issues and family responsibilities as sources of stress.

"A lot of times they all have to be somewhere at the same time at different ends of town and I'm at work and my husband is at work and we have to figure out whose getting who, when and where," said Carrie Marquart of the Meriden YMCA.

Joan Goodman has two sons, and she sometimes feels stressed when going through her daily routine.

"I felt guilty this morning of having to get up earlier than normal and I was rushing my kids along and bugging my husband to try to help to get my son where he needed to be."

Psychologist Dr. Traci Cipriano sees a lot of women struggling with work and life balance issues. She said some women are more prone to stress than others.

"Women who are highly perfectionist when they are under a lot of stress, struggle a lot more with that stress and are found to have a higher level of depression and anxiety," said Dr. Cipriano.

She prescribes letting go of that super mom mentality.

"Just do the best you can, and recognize when its good enough, and you are more able to ride the wave," said Dr. Cipriano.
 
She said an optimist's attitude benefits working moms who are dealing with stress.

"They tend to be able to fare better when they are under stress so they tend to have, in my study for  instance, they had lower levels of depression and anxiety," said Dr. Cipriano.

Marquart and Goodman said they know what would be a great stress reliever this Mother's day.

"breakfast in bed. without a doubt. hands down, that's my favorite thing in the world," said Marquart.

"To let me have some sleep, spend time with my family and have someone else do the laundry," said Goodman.

Other stress relievers Dr. Cipriano recommends include taking time for yourself, recognize how you deal with the stress, and prioritize.

If you feel overwhelmed be sure to seek professional help.